Persistent Pain In Older Adults Is Common But Treatable

Persistent pain is a common problem shared by many older adults, and one that greatly reduces their quality of life. Often, there is no single treatment or magic bullet to address this problem. Rather, a variety of techniques can prove beneficial. With appropriate medical care and rehab therapies it’s amazing what can be done to help manage and treat persistent pain.

Remove the Causes

Diseases commonly seen in older adults such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and multiple sclerosis can cause pain. Nerve damage, stomach ulcers, gallbladder disease and injuries that have not healed properly can also cause persistent pain.

A history of depression, stress and anxiety tends to exacerbate existing ailments and lead to more pain. Doctors may try different techniques and treatments to identify the cause or causes.

Although it may start with a disease or illness, persistent pain can often have a psychological element to it. It is, therefore, important to treat this with both physical therapy and relaxation techniques.

Black women getting physical therapy as a treatment of persistent pain

Physical Therapy for Persistent Pain

Physical therapy can help you treat and manage pain in a safe and relaxed environment. It can help you strengthen muscles, improve joint flexibility, and more comfortably manage daily activities. Exercise programs, massages, and hot and cold therapies, led by an expert healthcare professional, can alleviate persistent pain.

Meditation and Yoga

Mindfulness meditation allows you to acknowledge your persistent pain and accept that it exists. It can eventually divert thoughts away from pain and allow your body to fully relax.

Guided imagery relaxation is a technique whereby an audio clip mentally transports you to a different world. For example, it can help evoke calming images such as a sandy beach with gently crashing waves.

Breathing yoga can calm the nervous system, and help reduce feelings of persistent pain, stress and anxiety.

Chair yoga for senior people is a gentle form of yoga that can take place while sitting in a comfortable chair. It’s appropriate for elderly people with chronic pain who may not be able to do yoga in the conventional way. Chair yoga can improve your concentration, flexibility, and mental health and may alleviate persistent pain.

Fairview and Persistent Pain

Fairview Adult Day Care Center in Brooklyn NY offers the highest standard of nursing care to elderly clients. It provides emotional support, physical therapy, occupational therapy and a variety of recreational activities. We also offer chair yoga classes, relaxation techniques, exercise programs, movement to music classes, singing, and games. Our friendly staff ensure all our adult and elderly clients enjoy their stay with us and work with them to help them alleviate persistent and chronic pain.

Our bilingual English- and Russian-speaking team has huge experience of dealing with chronic pain and providing emotional support. Not only our nurses, physical and occupational therapists are directly involved in helping with pain relief, but also the whole team know how to provide emotional support to our clients. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you would like to find out more about our day care services for seniors and people with TBI.

This article is for educational and informational purpose only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. For any questions about your own health condition, speak to a qualified physician or healthcare provider.